Health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of illness (diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or depression) and can educate those who might not otherwise seek professional clinical advice. Like screenings for other illnesses, annual depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare. Visit CWCC this October for your confidential screening and private consultation with a licensed therapist, at no cost to you, your insurance, or the community.

Why screen for depression?  While screenings are not a diagnosis, they can often point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide referrals, if needed. People with depression often believe that their symptoms are a “normal part of life.”  Clinical depression is a serious medical illness; and can lead to suicide.

What is depression?  Some key symptoms are: persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood; sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much; distancing yourself from friends and family; reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain; loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed; restlessness or   irritability; difficulty in making decisions; problems concentrating or remembering; fatigue or loss of energy; as well as thoughts of death or suicide. CWCC encourages everyone to see a qualified mental health professional if they have experienced five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks; or if symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily routine.

What is a depression screening like?  Guests will learn about depression and complete a confidential written screening.  Finally, each participant will discuss the results of their screening with one of CWCC’s mental health professionals. Attendees will receive educational materials on depression and other mood disorders.

Join us in the month of October to learn more about depression and other mood disorders: Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 2pm, in CWCC’s main lobby, at 1430 Wilkins Circle, Casper, Wyoming.

Central Wyoming Counseling Center will also provide free, private and confidential depression screenings at the Wyoming Women’s Expo on Friday, September 30th from 4:00-8:30 pm and on Saturday, October 1st from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Casper Events Center.  Visit www.wyomingwomensexpo.com for more information on the expo.